South-east governors to meet on PDP chairmanship candidate – Umahi

South-east governors to meet on PDP chairmanship candidate – Umahi

South-east governors belonging to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party will meet soon to decide on a consensus candidate for the chairmanship of their party.

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State disclosed the planned meeting, but he did not indicate the date it would take place.

He spoke in Abakaliki on Tuesday, during the vote-seeking visit of Raymond Dokpesi, one of the candidates for the chairmanship post.

The PDP will hold its convention on December 9 in Port Harcourt, and also fill party vacancies.

Mr. Dokpesi, who called upon Ebonyi people to support him, gave an assurance that as the chairman of the party, he would sustain the legacy of the party’s founding fathers and that of Governor David Umahi.

He addressed the party’s 41st State Executive Council, SEC, meeting, held at the secretariat of the party in Abakaliki, the state capital.

Mr. Dokpesi acknowledged PDP’s dominance in the state and endorsed Mr. Umahi for a second term, to enable him complete his projects.

“Based on our confidence, our faith is in the hands of God and the delegates,” Mr. Dokpesi said.

Mr. Umahi who introduced Mr. Dokpesi to the meeting said he is qualified to be the party’s national chairman. But he gave no further commitment.

“In the past we have voted blindly but now our eyes are open to seek negotiation with everyone aspiring, so as to agree on what he will do for us. What ever the zone comes up with, we will let you know”, Mr. Umahi said.

“The commitment and zeal of the aspirant who is going round 36 states of the federation to ask for vote is highly commendable. I am one of the apostles who will not give power to anyone that is not prepared,” Mr. Umahi added.

The Rochas Okorocha administration has blamed the printer’s devil for the wrong christening of the Ministry of Happiness.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, said the typographic error led to the naming of the Ministry as the Ministry of Happiness and Couples Fulfilment. It is now called Ministry of Happiness and Purpose Fulfilment.

“There was a typographic error in the first statement issued on the swearing in of the new commissioners.

The word “Couple” was inadvertently written, instead of the word “Purpose,” we regret that.

The statement went on to justify the essence of the new ministry and its purpose in the state.

“The real essence of life is to be happy and to fulfil one’s purpose in life; Government officials are elected to address this.

Happiness and Purpose Fulfilment Ministry, therefore, is established for the lost time to correct the policy framework to guide ministries and departments on what they must do to guarantee the citizens’ happiness and contribute better to the society.

“This is the very reason people elect their leaders: to guarantee their happiness and purpose fulfilment. A great leader therefore, is one who provides happiness to the people.

“Unfortunately, this vital element of our social lives has not been properly addressed. Governments at different levels have created several ministries and departments to achieve this, yet people are bitter, angry with hate speeches which lead to crisis, war and even terrorism,” the release read.

The statement further described the choice of Mr. Okorocha’s sister, Ogechi Ololo, as the Supervisory Commissioner in charge of the ministry as a wise choice considering her experience in administration.

“The choice of Mrs Ogechi Ololo, a Masters Degree Holder in computer Science, USA who has been the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor on Domestic Matters and Food Security can be described as a round peg in a round hole.

“Before her appointment as the supervisory commissioner, she was charged with the responsibility of liaising with the federal government on N-Power Project, CBN Anchor project and BOI, Empowerment Projects.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha has also created other similar ministries such as the ministry of non-formal sector and market development to address issues of the poor state of Imo markets and organise the non-formal sector to make them more productive.

The ministry of education was also split into three ministries, primary and secondary; tertiary non-formal education; ICT, Science and Technology.

Governor Rochas Okorocha appointes his sister as the Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment.

In Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha has appointed his sister as the Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment.

At a ceremony in Owerri, the state capital, on Monday, Mr. Okorocha administered the oath of office to Ogechi Ololo (Nee Okorocha) and 27 others in a cabinet reshuffle.

Mrs. Ololo is expected to keep her initial appointment as the Deputy Chief Of Staff (Domestic and International Matters).

Mrs. Ololo is the first commissioner at the newly-created Ministry of Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment.

“I want to remind all of you that this appointment is not business as usual,” Mr. Okorocha admonished the new appointee according to details of the event circulated by Sam Onwuemeodo, the chief press secretary to the governor.

“We shall not tolerate any sharp practice or corruption of any type. Neither shall we accept indolence or laziness.

“You have been called to duty to help us achieve our vision in the Rescue Mission Project,” the governor added.

The appointments come weeks after the governor was criticised for mounting statues for South African President Jacob Zuma and other controversial personalities on the continent.

It was not immediately clear if there’s any anti-nepotism law in Imo State which the appointment could breach, but critics say they’re hardly surprised.

“Governor Rochas Okorocha has brought government and governance to great height of public nuisance and ridicule,” said Cyril Njoku, a blogger based in Owerri.

Mr. Njoku told PREMIUM TIMES he was at the ceremony on Monday, and the announcement made him put together a few instances of Mr. Okorocha appointing family members to government position.

“His Son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, is the Chief of Staff. His wife, Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, is the Chairman of Imo Amnesty Committee with a huge budget.

“His father-in-law and the current Minister of State for Education, Anthony Anwuka, was the former Secretary to Imo State Government,” Mr. Njoku said.

Reached for comments Tuesday morning, Mr. Onwuemedo told PREMIUM TIMES there was no immediate reaction to the allegations, promising to get back with a reponse later.